After months of strategizing to combat spam and bot activity on its platform, X has unveiled a groundbreaking and unforeseen initiative named “Not A Bot.” New users joining via the web in New Zealand and the Philippines will now be required to pay a nominal annual fee of just one dollar. This innovative program is set to bolster X’s ongoing efforts to maintain a secure and authentic online environment.
Additionally, users in these two countries will need to verify their accounts through a phone number, further enhancing the platform’s security measures.
The rationale behind X’s “Not A Bot”
While this development is promising, questions arise as to why this subscription model is exclusive to web users and limited to these specific countries. It is speculated that X has identified higher levels of bot activity in these regions, particularly through the website interface. This makes it imperative to implement a program that targets and mitigates potential threats stemming from automated accounts.
Subscription benefits and limitations
For users who opt not to subscribe, their interactions on the platform will be limited to ‘read-only’ actions, such as viewing posts and watching videos. This delineation is intended to encourage a more engaged and accountable user base, while also providing a clear distinction between free and premium services.
While the primary focus of the “Not A Bot” program is web-based, it is worth noting that X’s terms and conditions allow for subscription through both iOS and Android apps. This flexibility offers users a seamless experience, regardless of their preferred device.
Correct, read for free, but $1/year to write. It’s the only way to fight bots without blocking real users.
This won’t stop bots completely, but it will be 1000X harder to manipulate the platform.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 18, 2023
Elon Musk’s vision
From the onset of his Twitter takeover, Elon Musk has advocated for charging as a means to deter bot activity. This new subscription model aligns with his vision to create a more authentic and secure online ecosystem. While it is anticipated that only a small percentage of users will opt for the paid option, Musk remains steadfast in his belief that this approach will significantly reduce the prevalence of automated accounts.
The impact on user engagement
Amidst these changes, Elon Musk has not hesitated to highlight the surge in user engagement on X. This paradoxical situation underscores the platform’s ability to attract and retain an active user base, even in the midst of implementing subscription-based models.
X’s introduction of the “Not A Bot” program marks a pivotal moment in the platform’s ongoing efforts to combat spam and bot activity. By implementing a nominal annual fee for new users in New Zealand and the Philippines, X is taking a proactive step towards a more secure and authentic online environment. While the subscription model may only be adopted by a fraction of users, its impact on the overall integrity of the platform cannot be overstated.
As X continues to evolve, it will be intriguing to observe how these changes shape the future of online interaction.
Meanwhile, Musk has been in the trenches with his efforts to combat spam and bot activity for a while. If you wish to learn more about how this fight has been going, make sure to check out our article on how X ID verification was what Twitter needed for a long time.
Featured image credit: Elon Musk on X
